Lalibela

Lalibela, set at 2,600m above sea level in the rugged mountains of northern Wollo, is the most exciting attraction of the country. Lalibela was a place from where the Zagwe Dynasty ruled the country for more than two centuries. Lalibela, formerly known as Roha, bears the name of its most famous King “Lalibela” (1181-1221A.D). There are eleven rock hewn monolithic churches believed to have been built by King Lalibela, which are architecturally unique buildings, finely carved and some decorated with beautiful paintings. There is nothing that could be more attractive than these fascinating and impressive churches with their ancient architected and carvings. The ancient rock hewn churches at Lalibela are also registered by UNESCO as the Eight Wonders of the World.

Festivals

Christmas is also one of the biggest ceremonies which fall on 7 January.The celebration of Timket or Epiphany, on the 19 January is probably the biggest festival of the year. On the eve of Timket, with great ceremony the sacred tabot (the replica of the ark of the covenant) is taken from each church by the priests up to the central area where the ceremony twill take place.